An upset stomach can happen for a number of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most effective home remedies for upset stomach.
Upset Stomach Remedies to Remember
Below are the natural remedies you should try to heal an upset stomach:
Water, water, water
When your stomach is upset, substantial amounts of water, nutrients, and healthy bacteria get flushed out. This leads to extreme dehydration. One of the most essential upset stomach remedies is to replenish the lost water content.
Refill yourself with 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, specifically after a washroom visit to relieve an upset stomach. Drink a minimum of 240 ml or 1 cup of water after a liquid bowel movement.
Replenish with other healthy fluids
Just drinking water is not sufficient. Don’t forget the healthy fluids. Remember, the stress is on the word ‘healthy’. Mix four portions of water to one portion of fresh unsweetened fruit juice and slurp it up.
You may sprinkle a pinch of salt to your water to restrict the loss of fluid. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to this water to add variety to your fluid intake. It improves digestion by boosting the digestive secretions. These secretions break down the food consumed, helping in digestion.
There are conflicting reports about the consumption of sugar when you have an upset stomach. Some vouch for its benefits during such health conditions, while others advise against it because they believe that it restricts the body from absorbing salt.
The BRAT diet as part of the list of upset stomach remedies
Right out of our grandmothers’ treasure trove, ‘BRAT’ is the abbreviation for banana, rice, applesauce, and toast.
- Bananas – Rich in potassium, it helps the body in restoring some of the nutrients lost with diarrhoea. Besides, it can also be digested easily.
- Rice – Only the white variety of rice, and whole grains like oatmeals are two of most effective upset stomach remedies. Rice, the lowest in fibre as compared to other grains, is rich in magnesium and potassium, both of which control stomach cramps and pain. Make sure that you include only those grains in your diet that are low in fibre. Food products with low fiber content encourage the growth of good bacteria, which act as detoxificants for the colon. It keeps the digestive juices flowing, preventing watery bowel movements.
- Applesauce – Brush away watery bowel movements with applesauce that aids in controlling the symptoms of the health condition.
- Toast – Low-fibre toast is also one of the most recommended home remedies for upset stomach.
Probiotics
These are healthy bacteria present in certain food products that aid in digestion. This bacteria enhances the effectiveness of the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It is found in food products like yogurt, fermented milk, etc. that contain probiotics as an ingredient.
Why is this one of the upset stomach remedies to remember? Because it acts as a necessary replacement for the bacteria that get washed out of the system along with watery bowel movements.
Ginger as one of the best upset stomach remedies
Ginger is laden with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ulcer properties that is one of the most recommended upset stomach remedies.
Try biting a piece of ginger, about 1 cm of it, every day for a minute when you are down with a bad stomach. Or else, you can keep it at the side of your mouth so that you can suck on it. In case you can’t manage the strong and pungent taste of this root, mix a few drops of the juice in water or tea.
However, there is no substitute for chewing or sucking a small piece of ginger. The juice of ginger soothes muscular contractions and acid secretions, which are typical to an upset stomach, relieving stomach pain.
What’s more, having raw ginger is not equivalent to having a ginger-based drink like ginger ale. In fact, you should strictly avoid such drinks because such carbonated drinks aggravate symptoms like bloating.
It is also best to keep away from commercial ginger lozenges as they contain saturated sugar, which is again harmful to a weak stomach.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil offers the same benefits as ginger. It is a recognized source of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that relieves stomach pain caused due to diarrhea.
To top that, it also treats muscle spasms that arise in the colon or gastric lining. Combine this oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil and apply it gently on the abdomen to soothe the discomfort. You can also mix a few drops of this essential oil with your tea for enjoying the same benefits.
Saltine crackers
This is another one of those recipes that have been passed down for generations as one of the best home remedies for upset stomach. Yes, it is bland, but contains limited amounts of salt that is a replacement for the lost electrolytes.
These are odorless, and hence, there is no scope for it to cause nausea and vomiting. Not just these, saltine crackers prevent acidity by soaking it up from the stomach.
Drink aloe vera juice
Yes, aloe vera is not just for alleviating the symptoms of sunburns, it is versatile. It soothes the digestive tract cells due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Drink one-third cup of pure aloe vera juice to prevent stomach ache due to diarrhea. Make sure not to add sugar.
